James Norman Garson February 3, 1935 – May 14, 2026

James Norman Garson, age 91, passed away peacefully at home on May 14, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Jim was born on February 3, 1935, in Osseo, Wisconsin to Norman and Josephine (Hestekin) Garson. He graduated from Whitehall Memorial High School in 1954 and married his high school sweetheart, Constance Anderson, on July 11 of that same year — beginning a beautiful marriage and life together that spanned more than 71 years.

Together, Jim and Connie built a life centered on love, laughter, family, and countless memories. They had six children and shared their home with many beloved pets throughout the years.

Jim was known for his incredible work ethic. He began working at just 12 years old pumping gas, later helping with his father’s dray company and working for Land O’ Lakes. In 1960, he began a long career in the concrete industry, where he worked as a dispatcher for 38 years before retiring in 1998 at age 62.

Retirement didn’t last long for Jim. At age 64, he started what he proudly called his retirement job delivering auto parts for Car Quest. He worked there for another 23 years, finally retiring for good at age 87.

More than anything, Jim loved spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed boating, watching sports, sharing stories, and striking up conversations with just about anyone — especially strangers, who rarely stayed strangers for long. He appreciated life’s simple pleasures: being close to home, watching the news, and traveling with Connie to places like Florida, Hawaii, Mexico, Arizona, Las Vegas, and on cruises.

Jim will be remembered for his warm heart, quick smile, steady presence, and the joy he brought to everyday moments. His stories, laughter, kindness, and deep love for his family will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Jim was preceded in death by his daughter, Holly Ann Garson; his parents, Norman and Josephine Garson; his brother, Richard (Darlene) Garson; and his sister, Marlene (Gary) Johnson.

He is survived by his loving wife, Connie Garson; his children, Stewart Garson, Bradley Garson, Thomas (Melissa) Garson, Jill (Colin) Fleming, and Matthew (Jennifer) Garson; grandchildren Joy Garson, Kenneth Garson, Ryan Garson, Mitchell Garson, Nikolai Fleming, Allison Garson, Brigette Fleming, and Peter Fleming; great-grandchildren Mason Strelow, Isabella Klapps, and Axel Klapps; his sister, Carolyn (Leon) Herried; along with many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.

A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the Gathering Place for Coulee Region Cremation, 133 Mason Street, Onalaska. Visitation will be from 4:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., followed by a Christian service by Pastor Joanne Richmond from 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.  Coulee Region Cremation Group is assisting his family.